Mexico's posh Punta de Mita is a heavenly escape

The adults-only pool at the St. Regis Hotel and Resort in Punta de Mita is an inviting spot.Photo by
Handout photo

On a private peninsula at the southernmost point of the Riviera Nayarit lies a hidden gem known as Punta de Mita, a posh 1,500-acre resort and residential community.

The moment the guarded gates to this sheltered enclave swing open at the northwest tip of Banderas Bay, it's as if you have entered another world.

Rolling fairways of two Jack Nicklaus signature championship golf courses wend their way past highend homes and pricey condos along a stretch of one of the most beautiful coastlines on the Pacific. The area is also home to two five-diamond resort properties - the Four Seasons Punta Mita Resort and The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.

The exquisite 120-room St. Regis is nestled on 22 acres of pristine grounds and is one of the most luxurious properties in the area.

From the stunning views through the main lobby straight out to the Pacific, to the private white-sand beaches below with beachside infinity pools set against a backdrop of lush tropical gardens, this truly is paradise.

Dotting the shore are tiny islets and the Marietas Islands, a rich marine preserve with underwater caves and coral reefs perfect for diving, snorkelling and whale watching.

The serene Remede Spa is an oasis within this oasis, where you can pamper yourself in luxury. Trickling water and wisps of curtains blow in the breeze at this 10,000-square-foot sanctuary, putting you in a state of tranquillity before your treatment even begins.

The resort's signature restaurant Carolina is one of only four restaurants in Mexico with a AAA Five Diamond Award.

Staying at The St. Regis is an unrivalled experience, and attention to detail is unmatched.

The impeccable service begins when you arrive at the lobby entrance in one of the hotel's signature black Escalades or Navigators after the 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta's airport.

Your butler will unpack your luggage upon arrival and pack it again for departure, press your clothes and deliver a frothy cappuccino each morning to be savoured on the private terrace of your casita overlooking the ocean. Heaven. The casitas are a study in understated opulence and barefoot elegance, complete with dreamy spa bathrooms featuring free-standing soaker tubs and indoor and outdoor showers. You feel cocooned in privacy, hardly seeing another guest and never feeling crowded even on one of the busiest weekends of the year.

This is escapism at its best.

Punta Mita's Gourmet and Golf Classic For four days each spring, The St. Regis, along with the Four Seasons, DINE (master developer of Punta Mita) and the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau host the Punta Mita Gourmet and Golf Classic.

The weekend-long event marries culinary excellence with championship golf at the two Jack Nicklaus' courses - Pacifico and Bahia.

The challenging Bahia course has five ocean holes and plays between 5,180 and 7,030 yards through The St. Regis Resort, while the breathtaking Pacifico has seven holes directly facing or playing alongside the Pacific and is home to Punta Mita's spectacular signature landmark 3B green, known as the Tail of the Whale, the only natural island green in the world.

Play takes place over two days - one day on each course - with alternating Best Ball on one course and Texas Scramble on the other.

This year's guest of honour was Lorena Ochoa - former No. 1 female golfer in the world.

Off the greens, a team of guest chefs from around the world (who this year included Thierry Blouet, Maycoll Calderon, Michael Mina, Richard Sandoval and Fernando Trocca)

created delicious dishes paired with the world's finest wine, spirits and tequilas.

From gourmet après-golf lunches to cocktail parties on the beach at sunset, this is one weekend not to miss.

The writer was a guest of the resort. The St. Regis did not review or approve of this article.

IF YOU GO ...

Dates for the 2014 Punta Mita Gourmet and Golf Classic are April 3 to 6. The St. Regis offers the following: 89 guest rooms and 31 suites set among 22 acres of gardens on a secluded white-sand beach. Luxury oceanfront suites have private pools and Jacuzzis World-class spa, two golf courses, and three beachfront pools Free activities such as bike tours, Spanish lessons, and cocktailmaking classes Fitness centre, with private yoga and Pilates sessions Tennis courts Surfing, fishing, snorkelling, diving on-site or nearby Three dining options Carolina: the formal AAA Five Diamond Award restaurant serves dinner.

Las Mariettas: a casual beachfront spot beside one of the three pools is open for breakfast and lunch.

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